Introduction to Prenatal Yoga

More and more women are discovering the benefits of exercise during pregnancy. If you were physically active doing exertive activities to enhance and maintain your physical fitness, wellness, and overall health before becoming pregnant, you might be wondering if you can continue exercising now that you are expecting a child. For a healthy body and mind, something worth considering is prenatal yoga. Your body goes through many changes during parturiency. It can create undesirable mental or physical stress. Exercise during pregnancy is vital and could aid in abating some general pregnancy unpleasantness.

The poses for prenatal yoga are aimed to increase a pregnant woman’s flexibility and strength. It also bolsters the development of proper relaxation and breathing techniques for a more comfortable labor.

Prenatal yoga is similar to other kinds of childbirth-preparation classes in that it has various beneficial facets which allow expectant mothers to approach exercise through focused breathing, stretching, and mental centering. Studies have propounded that because of the benefits of prenatal yoga, it is suitable and safe for pregnant women and their babies.

Some of the activities a woman may participate in while taking part in a typical prenatal yoga class may involve the following:

Breathing. Different techniques may help you manage or reduce shortness of breath during pregnancy. The breathing methods learned in the class may also assist in working through contractions experienced during labor.

Postures. With some props, like belts, cushions, and blankets, for comfort and support, the instructor will teach you different positions you can move into while lying on the ground, sitting, or standing which can develop balance, flexibility, and strength.

Gentle stretching. Mild movements of various areas of the body will allow you to have a full range of motion.

Cool down and relaxation. When the class is coming to an end, the instructor may have you do different relaxation techniques to repose your muscles and restore your breathing rhythm and resting heart rate. You may get asked to repeat a mantra for inner calmness or self-awareness, be asked to mindful of emotions, thoughts, and sensations, or you may be guided through how to listen to your breathing.

The findings of research conducted on prenatal yoga suggest that prenatal yoga can do the following: